By Rashmi Rao
Amid rising concerns over food security, climate resilience, and rural livelihoods, the Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI) in Sri Vijaya Puram has emerged as a key institution shaping the agricultural landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Established in 1978 under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CIARI was mandated to address the complex ecological and socio-economic challenges of the islands. Over the years, it has grown into a multidisciplinary hub influencing both policy and practice in tropical island agriculture.
Operating from a 62-hectare campus in Garacharma, the institute houses five specialized divisions spanning natural resource management, horticulture, field crops, animal sciences, and fisheries. It is supported by three Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Sippighat, Car Nicobar, and Nimbudera, and an outreach centre in Diglipur, which collectively ensure that research reaches the last mile.
Innovation at the Grassroots
CIARI’s interventions have resulted in measurable change on the ground. In fisheries, the development of Dweep-Carp Grower Feed—a cost-effective alternative to expensive mainland feed—has led to higher fish survival rates and reduced input costs for island farmers. In animal husbandry, breed improvement programs for the Andaman desi pig and local poultry have bolstered smallholder productivity.
Organic farming and climate-resilient models form a major focus area, with demonstration units and training programs rolled out across 74 villages. Through initiatives like the Biotech Kisan Hub, over 2,200 farmers have been trained in scientific methods ranging from soil conservation to goat rearing. A recent organic certification workshop conducted with the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming aims to bring more local producers into certified markets.
The institute has also emerged as a launchpad for rural entrepreneurship. Several women and tribal farmers trained by CIARI now run successful ventures in mushroom farming, poultry, and coconut-based crafts. In Nayagaon, one woman revived her backyard poultry business after CIARI-led training and now operates a mini-incubator with improved survival rates.
CIARI’s recent technological strides include a patented sex determination kit for non-ratite birds, now licensed to GCC Biotech, and the development of herbal fish feed additives that improve aquaculture health outcomes. According to institute officials, 10 of 16 recent patents have already been commercialized.
Despite logistical hurdles and limited infrastructure, the institute continues to expand its footprint. With deeper collaborations, expanded outreach, and a focus on climate adaptation, CIARI aims to build a scalable model of island sustainability, one that could hold lessons well beyond the Andamans.
